Constitution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
Adopted at the Seventh (Special) Session of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, Ninth
Convocation, On October 7, 1977
Novosti Press Agency Publishing House Moscow, 1985
The Great October Socialist Revolution, made by the workers and peasants of Russia
under the leadership of the Communist Party headed by Lenin, overthrew capitalist and
landowner rule, broke the fetters of oppression, established the dictatorship of the
proletariat, and created the Soviet state, a new type of state, the basic instrument for
defending the gains of the revolution and for building socialism and communism. Humanity
thereby began the epoch-making turn from capitalist to socialism.
After achieving victory in the Civil War and repulsing imperialist intervention, the
Soviet government carried through far-reaching social and economic transformations, and
put an end once and for all to exploitation of man by man, antagonisms between classes,
and strive between nationalities. THe unification of the Soviet Republics in the Union of
Soviet Socialist Republics multiplied the forces and opportunities of the peoples of the
country in the building of socialism. Social ownership of the means of production and
genuine democracy for the working masses were established. For the first time in the
history of mankind a socialist society was created.
The strength of socialism was vividly demonstrated by the immortal feat of the Soviet
people and their Armed Forces in achieving their historic victory in the Great Patriotic
War. This victory consolidated the influence and international standing of the Soviet
Union and created new opportunities for growth of the forces of socialism, national
liberation, democracy, and peace throughout the world.
Continuing their creative endeavors, the working people of the Soviet Union have
ensured rapid, all-round development of the country and steady improvement of the
socialist system. They have consolidated the alliance of the working class,
collective-farm peasantry, and people's intelligentsia, and friendship of the nations and
nationalities of the USSR. Socio-political and ideological unity of Soviet society, in
which the working class is the leading force, has been achieved. THe aims of the
dictatorship of the proletariat having been fulfilled, the Soviet state has become a state
of the whole people. The leading role of the Communist Party, the vanguard of all the
people, has grown.
In the USSR a developed socialist society has been built. At this stage, when socialism
is developing on its own foundations, the creative forces of the new system and the
advantages of the socialist way of life are becoming increasingly evident, and the working
people are more and more widely enjoying the fruits of their great revolutionary gains.
It is a society in which powerful productive forces and progressive science and culture
have been created, in which the well-being of the people is constantly rising, and more
and more favourable conditions are being provided for the all-round development of the
individual.
It is a society of mature socialist social relations, in which, on the basis of the
drawing together of all classes and social strata and of the juridical and factual
equality of all its nations and nationalities and their fraternal co-operation, a new
historical community of people has been formed-- the Soviet people.
It is a society of high organisational capacity, ideological commitment, and
consciousness of the working people, who are patriots and internationalists.
It is a society in which the law of life is concern of all for the good of each and
concern of each for the good of all.
It is a society of true democracy, the political system of which ensures effective
management of all public affairs, ever more active participation of the working people in
running the state, and the combining of citizen's real rights and freedoms with their
obligations and responsibility to society.
Developed socialist society is a natural, logical stage on the road to communism.
The supreme goal af the Soviet state is the building of a classless communist society
in which there will be public, communist self-government. The main aims of the people's
socialist state are: to lay the material and technical foundation of communism, to perfect
socialist social relations and transform them into communist relations, to mould the
citizen of communist society, to raise the people's living and cultural standards, to
safeguard the country's security, and to further the consolidation of peace and
development of international co-operation.
The Soviet people,
guided by the ideas of scientific communism and true to their revolutionary traditions,
relying on the great social, economic, and political gains of socialism,
striving for the further development of socialist democracy,
taking into account the international position of the USSR as part of the world system of
socialism, and conscious of their internationalist responsibility,
preserving continuity of the ideas and principles of the first Soviet Constitution of
1918, the 1924 Constitution of the USSR and the 1936 Constitution of the USSR,
hereby affirm the principle so the social structure and policy of the USSR, and define the
rights, freedoms and obligations of citizens, and the principles of the organisation of
the socialist state of the whole people, and its aims, and proclaim these in this
Constitution.
I. Principles of the social structure and policy of the USSR
Chapter 1: THE POLITICAL SYSTEM
Article 1. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is a socialist state of the whole
people, expressing the will and interests of the workers, peasants, and intelligentsia,
the working people of all the nations and nationalities of the country.
Article 2. All power in the USSR belongs to the people. The people exercise state power
through Soviets of People's Deputies, which constitute the political foundation of the
USSR. All other state bodies are under the control of, and accountable to, the Soviets of
People's Deputies.
Article 3. The Soviet state is organised and functions on the principle of democratic
centralism, namely the electiveness of all bodies of state authority from the lowest to
the highest, their accountability to the people, and the obligation of lower bodies to
observe the decisions of higher ones. Democratic centralism combines central leadership
with local initiative and creative activity and with the responsibility of the each state
body and official for the work entrusted to them.
Article 4. The Soviet state and all its bodies function on the basis of socialist law,
ensure the maintenance of law and order, and safeguard the interests of society and the
rights and freedoms of citizens. State organisations, public organisations and officials
shall observe the Constitution of the USSR and Soviet laws.
Article 5. Major matters of state shall be submitted to nationwide discussion and put
to a popular vote (referendum).
Article 6. The leading and guiding force of the Soviet society and the nucleus of its
political system, of all state organisations and public organisations, is the Communist
Party of the Soviet Union. The CPSU exists for the people and serves the people. The
Communist Party, armed with Marxism-Leninism, determines the general perspectives of the
development of society and the course of the home and foreign policy of the USSR, directs
the great constructive work of the Soviet people, and imparts a planned, systematic and
theoretically substantiated character to their struggle for the victory of communism All
party organisations shall function within the framework of the Constitution of the USSR.
Article 7. Trade unions, the All-Union Leninist Young Communist League co-operatives,
and other public organisations, participate, in accordance with the aims laid down in
their rules, in managing state and public affairs, and in deciding political, economic,
and social an cultural matters.
Article 8. Work collectives take part in discussing and deciding state and public
affairs, in planning production and social development, in training and placing personnel,
and in discussing and deciding matters pertaining to the management of enterprises and
institutions, and the use of funds allocated both for developing production and for social
and cultural purposes and financial incentives. Work collectives promote socialist
emulation, the spread of progressive methods of work, and the strengthening of production
discipline, educate their members in the spirit of communist morality, and strive to
enhance their political consciousness and raise their cultural level and skills and
qualifications.
Article 9. The principal direction in the development of the political system of Soviet
society is the extension of socialist democracy, namely ever broader participation of
citizens in managing the affairs of society and the state, continuous improvement of the
machinery of state, heightening of the activity of public organisations, strengthening of
the system of people's control, consolidation of the legal foundations of the functioning
of the state and of public life, greater openness and publicity, and constant
responsiveness to public opinion.
Chapter 2: THE ECONOMIC SYSTEM
Article 10. The foundation of the economic system of the USSR is socialist ownership of
the means of production in the form of state property (belonging to all the people), and
collective farm-and-co-operative property. Socialist ownership also embraces the property
of trade unions and other public organisations which they require to carry out their
purposes under these rules. The state protects socialist property and provides conditions
for its growth. No one has the right to use socialist property for person gain or other
selfish ends.
Article 11. State property, i. e. the common property of the Soviet people, is the
principal form of socialist property. The land, its minerals, waters, and forests are the
exclusive property of the state. The state owns the basic means of production in industry,
construction, and agriculture; means of transport and communication; the banks; the
property of state-run trade organisations and public utilities, and other state-run
undertakings; most urban housing; and other property necessary for state purposes.
Article 12. The property of collective farms and other co-operative organisations, and
of their joint undertakings, comprises the means of production and other assets which they
require for the purposes laid down in their rules. The land held by collective farms is
secured to them for their free use in perpetuity. The state promotes development of
collective farm-and-co-operative property and its approximation to state property.
Collective farms, like other land users, are obliged to make effective and thrifty use of
the land and to increase its fertility.
Article 13. Earned income forms the basis of the personal property of Soviet citizens.
THe personal property of citizens of the USSR may include articles of everyday use,
personal consumption and convenience, the implements and other objects of a small-holding,
a house, and earned savings. The personal property of citizens and the right to inherit it
are protected by the state. Citizens may be granted the use of plots of land, in the
manner prescribed by law, for a subsidiary small-holding (including the keeping of
livestock and poultry), for fruit and vegetable growing or for building an individual
dwelling. Citizens are required to make rational use of the land allotted to them. THe
state, and collective farms provide assistance to citizens in working their
small-holdings. Property owned or used by citizens shall not serve as a means of deriving
unearned income or be employed to the detriment of the interests of society.
Article 14. The source of the growth of social wealth and of the well- being of the
people, and of each individual, is the labour, free from exploitation, of Soviet people.
The state exercises control over the measure of labour and of consumption in accordance
with the principle of socialism: "From each according to his ability, to each
according to his work". It fixes the rate of taxation on taxable income. Socially
useful work and its results determine a person's status in society. By combining material
and moral incentives and encouraging innovation and a creative attitude to work, the state
helps transform labour into the prime vital need of every Soviet citizen.
Article 15. The supreme goal of social production under socialism is the fullest
possible satisfaction of the people's growing material, and cultural and intellectual
requirements. Relying on the creative initiative of the working people, socialist
emulation, and scientific and technological progress, and by improving the forms and
methods of economic management, the state ensures growth of the productivity of labour,
raising of the efficiency of production and of the quality of work, and dynamic, planned,
proportionate development of the economy.
Article 16. The economy of the USSR is an integral economic complex comprising all the
elements of social production, distribution, and exchange on its territory. The economy is
managed on the basis of state plans for economic and social development, with due account
of the sectoral and territorial principles, and by combining centralised direction with
the managerial independence and initiative of individual and amalgamated enterprises and
other organisations, for which active use is made of management accounting, profit, cost,
and other economic levers and incentives.
Article 17. In the USSR, the law permits individual labour in handicrafts, farming, the
provision of services for the public, and other forms of activity based exclusively on the
personal work of individual citizens and members of their families. The state makes
regulations for such work to ensure that it serves the interest of society.
Article 18. In the interests of the present and future generations, the necessary steps
are taken in the USSR to protect and make scientific, rational use of the land and its
mineral and water resources, and the plant and animal kingdoms, to preserve the purity of
air and water, ensure reproduction of natural wealth, and improve the human environment.
Chapter 3: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND CULTURE
Article 19. The social basis of the USSR is the unbreakable alliance of the workers,
peasants, and intelligentsia. The state helps enhance the social homogeneity of society,
namely the elimination of class differences and of the essential distinctions between town
and country and between mental and physical labour, and the all-round development and
drawing together of all the nations and nationalities of the USSR.
Article 20. In accordance with the communist ideal--"The free development of each
is the condition of the free development of all"--the state pursues the aim of giving
citizens more and more real opportunities to apply their creative energies, abilities, and
talents, and to develop their personalities in every way.
Article 21. The state concerns itself with improving working conditions, safety and
labour protection and the scientific organisation of work, and with reducing and
ultimately eliminating all arduous physical labour through comprehensive mechanisation and
automation of production processes in all branches of the economy.
Article 22. A programme is being consistently implemented in the USSR to convert
agricultural work into a variety of industrial work, to extend the network of educational,
cultural, and medical institutions, and of trade, public catering, service and public
utility facilities in rural localities, and transform hamlets and villages into
well-planned and well-appointed settlements.
Article 23. The state pursues a steady policy of raising people's pay levels and real
incomes through increase in productivity. In order to satisfy the needs of Soviet people
more fully social consumption funds are created. The state, with the broad participation
of public organisations and work collectives, ensures the growth and just distribution of
these funds.
Article 24. In the USSR, state systems of health protection, social security, trade and
public catering, communal services and amenities, and public utilities, operate and are
being extended. The state encourages co-operatives and other public organisations to
provide all types of services for the population. It encourages the development of mass
physical culture and sport.
Article 25. In the USSR there is a uniform system of public education, which is being
constantly improved, that provides general education and vocational training for citizens,
serves the communist education and intellectual and physical development of the youth, and
trains them for work and social activity.
Article 26. In accordance with society's needs, the state provides for planned
development of science and the training of scientific personnel and organises introduction
of the results of research in the economy and other spheres of life.
Article 27. The state concerns itself with protecting, augmenting and making extensive
use of society's cultural wealth for the moral and aesthetic education of the Soviet
people, for raising their cultural level. In the USSR development of the professional,
amateur and folk arts is encouraged in every way.
Chapter 4: FOREIGN POLICY
Article 28. The USSR steadfastly pursues a Leninist policy of peace and stands for
strengthening of the security of nations and broad international co-operation. The foreign
policy of the USSR is aimed at ensuring international conditions favourable for building
communism in the USSR, safeguarding the state interests of the Soviet Union, consolidating
the positions of world socialism, supporting the struggle of peoples for national
liberation and social progress, preventing wars of aggression, achieving universal and
complete disarmament, and consistently implementing the principle of the peaceful
coexistence of states with different social systems. In the USSR war propaganda is banned.
Article 29. The USSR's relations with other states are based on observance of the
following principles: sovereign equality; mutual renunciation of the use or threat of
force; inviolability of frontiers; territorial integrity of states; peaceful settlement of
disputes; non- intervention in internal affairs; respect for human rights and fundamental
freedoms; the equal rights of peoples and their right to decide their own destiny;
co-operation among states; and fulfilment in good faith of obligations arising from the
generally recognised principles and rules of international law, and from the international
treaties signed by the USSR.
Article 30. The USSR, as part of the world system of socialism and of the socialist
community, promotes and strengthens friendship, co-operation, and comradely mutual
assistance with other socialist countries on the basis of the principle of socialist
internationalism, and takes an active part in socialist economic integration and the
socialist international division of labour.
Chapter 5: DEFENCE OF THE SOCIALIST MOTHERLAND
Article 31. Defence of the Socialist Motherland is one of the most important functions
of the state, and is the concern of the whole people. In order to defend the gains of
socialism, the peaceful labour of the Soviet people, and the sovereignty and territorial
integrity of the state, the USSR maintains armed forces and has instituted universal
military service. The duty of the Armed Forces of the USSR to the people is to provide
reliable defence of the socialist Motherland and to be in constant combat readiness,
guaranteeing that any aggressor is instantly repulsed.
Article 32. The state ensures the security and defence capability of the country, and
supplies the Armed Forces of the USSR with everything necessary for that purpose. The
duties of state bodies, public organisations, officials, and citizens in regard to
safeguarding the country's security and strengthening its defence capacity are defined by
the legislation of the USSR.
II. The state and the individual
Chapter 6: CITIZENSHIP OF THE USSR / EQUALITY OF CITIZENS' RIGHTS
Article 33. Uniform federal citizenship is established for the USSR. Every citizen of a
Union Republic is a citizen of the USSR. The grounds and procedure for acquiring or
forfeiting Soviet citizenship are defined by the Law on Citizenship of the USSR. When
abroad, citizens of the USSR enjoy the protection and assistance of the Soviet state.
Article 34. Citizens of the USSR are equal before the law, without distinction of
origin, social or property status, race or nationality, sex, education, language, attitude
to religion, type and nature of occupation, domicile, or other status. The equal rights of
citizens of the USSR are guaranteed in all fields of economic, political, social, and
cultural life.
Article 35. Women and men have equal rights in the USSR. Exercise of these rights is
ensured by according women equal access with men to education and vocational and
professional training, equal opportunities in employment, remuneration, and promotion, and
in social and political, and cultural activity, and by special labour and health
protection measures for women; by providing conditions enabling mothers to work; by legal
protection, and material and moral support for mothers and children, including paid leaves
and other benefits for expectant mothers and mothers, and gradual reduction of working
time for mothers with small children.
Article 36. Citizens of the USSR of different races and nationalities have equal
rights. Exercise of these rights is ensured by a policy of all-round development and
drawing together of all the nations and nationalities of the USSR, by educating citizens
in the spirit of Soviet patriotism and socialist internationalism, and by the possibility
to use their native language and the languages of other peoples in the USSR. Any direct or
indirect limitation of the rights of citizens or establishment of direct or indirect
privileges on grounds of race or nationality, and any advocacy of racial or national
exclusiveness, hostility, or contempt, are punishable by law.
Article 37. Citizens of other countries and stateless persons in the USSR are
guaranteed the rights and freedoms provided by law, including the right to apply to a
court and other state bodies for the protection of their personal, property, family, and
other rights. Citizens of other countries and stateless persons, when in the USSR, are
obliged to respect the Constitution of the USSR and observe Soviet laws.
Article 38. The USSR grants the right of asylum to foreigners persecuted for defending
the interests of the working people and the cause of peace, or for participation in the
revolutionary and national-liberation movement, or for progressive social and political,
scientific, or other creative activity.
Chapter 7: THE BASIC RIGHTS, FREEDOMS, AND DUTIES OF CITIZENS OF THE USSR
Article 39. Citizens of the USSR enjoy in full the social, economic, political and
personal rights and freedoms proclaimed and guaranteed by the Constitution of the USSR and
by Soviet laws. The socialist system ensures enlargement of the rights and freedoms of
citizens and continuous improvement of their living standards as social, economic, and
cultural development programmes are fulfilled. Enjoyment by citizens of their rights and
freedoms must not be to the detriment of the interests of society or the state, or
infringe the rights of other citizens.
Article 40. Citizens of the USSR have the right to work (that is, to guaranteed
employment and pay in accordance wit the quantity and quality of their work, and not below
the state-established minimum), including the right to choose their trade or profession,
type of job and work in accordance with their inclinations, abilities, training and
education, with due account of the needs of society. This right is ensured by the
socialist economic system, steady growth of the productive forces, free vocational and
professional training, improvement of skills, training in new trades or professions, and
development of the systems of vocational guidance and job placement.
Article 41. Citizens of the USSR have the right to rest and leisure. This right is
ensured by the establishment of a working week not exceeding 41 hours, for workers and
other employees, a shorter working day in a number of trades and industries, and shorter
hours for night work; by the provision of paid annual holidays, weekly days of rest,
extension of the network of cultural, educational, and health-building institutions, and
the development on a mass scale of sport, physical culture, and camping and tourism; by
the provision of neighborhood recreational facilities, and of other opportunities for
rational use of free time. The length of collective farmers' working and leisure time is
established by their collective farms.
Article 42. Citizens of the USSR have the right to health protection. This right is
ensured by free, qualified medical care provided by state health institutions; by
extension of the network of therapeutic and health- building institutions; by the
development and improvement of safety and hygiene in industry; by carrying out broad
prophylactic measures; by measures to improve the environment; by special care for the
health of the rising generation, including prohibition of child labour, excluding the work
done by children as part of the school curriculum; and by developing research to prevent
and reduce the incidence of disease and ensure citizens a long and active life.
Article 43. Citizens of the USSR have the right to maintenance in old age, in sickness,
and in the event of complete or partial disability or loss of the breadwinner. The right
is guaranteed by social insurance of workers and other employees and collective farmers;
by allowances for temporary disability; by the provision by the state or by collective
farms of retirement pensions, disability pensions, and pensions for loss of the
breadwinner; by providing employment for the partially disabled; by care for the elderly
and the disabled; and by other forms of social security.
Article 44. Citizens of the USSR have the rights to housing. This right is ensured by
the development and upkeep of state and socially-owned housing; by assistance for
co-operative and individual house building; by fair distribution, under public control, of
the housing that becomes available through fulfilment of the programme of building well-
appointed dwellings, and by low rents and low charges for utility services. Citizens of
the USSR shall take good care of the housing allocated to them.
Article 45. Citizens of the USSR have the right to education. This right is ensured by
free provision of all forms of education, by the institution of universal, compulsory
secondary education, and broad development of vocational, specialised secondary, and
higher education, in which instruction is oriented toward practical activity and
production; by the development of extramural, correspondence and evening courses, by the
provision of state scholarships and grants and privileges for students; by the free issue
of school textbooks; by the opportunity to attend a school where teaching is in the native
language; and by the provision of facilities for self-education.
Article 46. Citizens of the USSR have the right to enjoy cultural benefits. This rights
is ensured by broad access to the cultural treasures of their own land and of the world
that are preserved in state and other public collections; by the development and fair
distribution of cultural and educational institutions throughout the country; by
developing television and radio broadcasting and the publishing of books, newspapers and
periodicals, and by extending the free library service; and by expanding cultural
exchanges with other countries.
Article 47. Citizens of the USSR, in accordance with the aims of building communism,
are guaranteed freedom of scientific, technical, and artistic work. This freedom is
ensured by broadening scientific research, encouraging invention and innovation, and
developing literature and the arts. THe state provides the necessary material conditions
for this and support for voluntary societies and unions of workers in the arts, organises
introduction of inventions and innovations in production and other spheres of activity.
The rights of authors, inventors and innovators are protected by the state.
Article 48. Citizens of the USSR have the right to take part in the management and
administration of state and public affairs and in the discussion and adoption of laws and
measures of All-Union and local significance. This right is ensured by the opportunity to
vote and to be elected to Soviets of People's Deputies and other elective state bodies, to
take part in nationwide discussions and referendums, in people's control, in the work of
state bodies, public organisations, and local community groups, and in meetings at places
of work or residence.
Article 49. Every citizen of the USSR has the right to submit proposals to state bodies
and public organisations for improving their activity, and to criticise shortcomings in
their work. Officials are obliged, within established time-limits, to examine citizens'
proposals and requests, to reply to them, and to take appropriate action. Persecution for
criticism is prohibited. Persons guilty of such persecution shall be called to account.
Article 50. In accordance with the interests of the people and in order to strengthen
and develop the socialist system, citizens of the USSR are guaranteed freedom of speech,
of the press, and of assembly, meetings, street processions and demonstrations. Exercise
of these political freedoms is ensured by putting public buildings, streets and squares at
the disposal of the working people and their organisations, by broad dissemination of
information, and by the opportunity to use the press, television, and radio.
Article 51. In accordance with the aims of building communism, citizens of the USSR
have the right to associate in public organisations that promote their political activity
and initiative and satisfaction of their various interests. Public organisations are
guaranteed conditions for successfully performing the functions defined in their rules.
Article 52. Citizens of the USSR are guaranteed freedom of conscience, that is, the
right to profess or not to profess any religion, and to conduct religious worship or
atheistic propaganda. Incitement of hostility or hatred on religious grounds is
prohibited. In the USSR, the church is separated from the state, and the school from the
church.
Article 53. The family enjoys the protection of the state. Marriage is based on the
free consent of the woman and the man; the spouses are completely equal in their family
relations. The state helps the family by providing and developing a broad system of
childcare institutions, by organising and improving communal services and public catering,
by paying grants on the birth of a child, by providing children's allowances and benefits
for large families, and other forms of family allowances and assistance.
Article 54. Citizens of the USSR are guaranteed inviolability of the person. No one may
be arrested except by a court decision or on the warrant of a procurator.
Article 55. Citizens of the USSR are guaranteed inviolability of the home. No one may,
without lawful grounds, enter a home against the will of those residing in it.
Article 56. The privacy of citizens, and of their correspondence, telephone
conversations, and telegraphic communications is protected by law.
Article 57. Respect for the individual and protection of the rights and freedoms of
citizens are the duty of all state bodies, public organisations, and officials. Citizens
of the USSR have the right to protection by the courts against encroachments on their
honour and reputation, life and health, and personal freedom and property.
Article 58. Citizens of the USSR have the right to lodge a complaint against the
actions of officials, state bodies and public bodies. Complaints shall be examined
according to the procedure and within the time-limit established by law. Actions by
officials that contravene the law or exceed their powers, and infringe the rights of
citizens, may be appealed against in a court in the manner prescribed by law. Citizens of
the USSR have the right to compensation for damage resulting from unlawful actions by
state organisations and public organisations, or by officials in the performance of their
duties.
Article 59. Citizens' exercise of their rights and freedoms is inseparable from the
performance of their duties and obligations. Citizens of the USSR are obliged to observe
the Constitution of the USSR and Soviet laws, comply with the standards of socialist
conduct, and uphold the honour and dignity of Soviet citizenship.
Article 60. It is the duty of, and matter of honour for, every able- bodied citizen of
the USSR to work conscientiously in his chosen, socially useful occupation, and strictly
to observe labour discipline. Evasion of socially useful work is incompatible with the
principles of socialist society.
Article 61. Citizens of the USSR are obliged to preserve and protect socialist
property. It is the duty of a citizen of the USSR to combat misappropriation and
squandering of state and socially-owned property and to make thrifty use of the people's
wealth. Persons encroaching in any way on socialist property shall be punished according
to the law.
Article 62. Citizens of the USSR are obliged to safeguard the interests of the Soviet
state, and to enhance its power and prestige. Defence of the Socialist Motherland is the
sacred duty of every citizen of the USSR. Betrayal of the Motherland is the gravest of
crimes against the people.
Article 63. Military service in the ranks of the Armed Forces of the USSR is an
honorable duty of Soviet citizens.
Article 64. It is the duty of every citizen of the USSR to respect the national dignity
of other citizens, and to strengthen friendship of the nations and nationalities of the
multinational Soviet state.
Article 65. A citizen of the USSR is obliged to respect the rights and lawful interests
of other persons, to be uncompromising toward anti-social behaviour, and to help maintain
public order.
Article 66. Citizens of the USSR are obliged to concern themselves with the upbringing
of children, to train them for socially useful work, and to raise them as worthy members
of socialist society. Children are obliged to care for their parents and help them.
Article 67. Citizens of the USSR are obliged to protect nature and conserve its riches.
Article 68. Concern for the preservation of historical monuments and other cultural
values is a duty and obligation of citizens of the USSR.
Article 69. It is the internationalist duty of citizens of the USSR to promote
friendship and co-operation with peoples of other lands and help maintain and strengthen
world peace.
III. The national - state structure of the USSR
Chapter 8: THE USSR - A FEDERAL STATE
Article 70. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is an integral, federal,
multinational state formed on the principle of socialist federalism as a result of the
free self-determination of nations and the voluntary association of equal Soviet Socialist
Republics. The USSR embodies the state unity of the Soviet people and draws all its
nations and nationalities together for the purpose of jointly building communism.
Article 71. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics unites: the Russian Soviet
Federative Socialist Republic the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, the Byelorussian
Soviet Socialist Republic, the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic, the Kazakh Soviet
Socialist Republic, the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic, the Azerbeijan Soviet
Socialist Republic, the Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic, the Moldovian Soviet
Socialist Republic, the Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic, the Kirghiz Soviet Socialist
Republic, the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic, the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic, the
Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic, the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic.
Article 72. Each Union Republic shall retain the right freely to secede from the USSR.
Article 73. The jurisdiction of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, as represented
by its highest bodies of state authority and administration, shall cover: 1. the admission
of new republics to the USSR; endorsement of the formation of new autonomous republics and
autonomous regions within Union Republics; 2. determination of the state boundaries of the
USSR and approval of changes in the boundaries between Union Republics; 3. establishment
of the general principles for the organisation and functioning of republican and local
bodies of state authority and administration; 4. the ensurance of uniformity of
legislative norms throughout the USSR and establishment of the fundamentals of the
legislation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and Union Republics; 5. pursuance
of a uniform social and economic policy; direction of the country's economy; determination
of the main lines of scientific and technological progress and the general measures for
rational exploitation and conservation of natural resources; the drafting and approval of
state plans for the economic and social development of the USSR, and endorsement of
reports on their fulfilment; 6. the drafting and approval of the consolidated Budget of
the USSR, and endorsement of the report on its execution; management of a single monetary
and credit system; determination of the taxes and revenues forming the Budget of the USSR;
and the formulation of prices and wages policy; 7. direction of the sectors of the
economy, and of enterprises and amalgamations under Union jurisdiction, and general
direction of industries under Union-Republican jurisdiction; 8. issues of war and peace,
defence of the sovereignty of the USSR and safeguarding of its frontiers and territory,
and organisation of defence; direction of the Armed Forces of the USSR; 9. state security;
10. representation of the USSR in international relations; the USSR's relations with other
states and with international organisations; establishment of the general procedure for,
and co-ordination of, the relations of Union Republics with other states and with
international organisations; foreign trade and other forms of external economic activity
on the basis of state monopoly; 11. control over observance of the Constitution of the
USSR, and ensurance of conformity of the Constitutions of Union Republics to the
Constitution of the USSR; 12. and settlement of other matters of All-Union importance.
Article 74. The laws of the USSR shall have the same force in all Union Republics. In
the event of a discrepancy between a Union Republic law and an All-Union law, the law of
the USSR shall prevail.
Article 75. The territory of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is a single entity
and comprises the territories of the Union Republics. The sovereignty of the USSR extends
throughout its territory.
Chapter 9: THE UNION SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLIC
Article 76. A Union Republic is a sovereign Soviet socialist state that has united with
other Soviet Republics in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Outside the spheres
listed in Article 73 of the Constitution of the USSR, a Union Republic exercises
independent authority on its territory. A Union Republic shall have its own Constitution
conforming to the Constitution of the USSR with the specific features of the Republic
being taken into account.
Article 77. Union Republics take part in decision-making in the Supreme Soviet of the
USSR, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the Government of the USSR, and
other bodies of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. A Union Republic shall ensure
comprehensive economic and social development on its territory, facilitate exercise of the
powers of the USSR on its territory, and implement the decisions of the highest bodies of
state authority and administration of the USSR. In matters that come within its
jurisdiction, a Union Republic shall co- ordinate and control the activity of enterprises,
institutions, and organisations subordinate to the Union.
Article 78. The territory of a Union Republic may not be altered without its consent.
The boundaries between Union Republics may be altered by mutual agreement of the Republics
concerned, subject to ratification by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.
Article 79. A Union Republic shall determine its division into territories, regions,
areas, and districts, and decide other matters relating to its administrative and
territorial structure.
Article 80. A Union Republic has the right to enter into relations with other states,
conclude treaties with them, exchange diplomatic and consular representatives, and take
part in the work of international organisations.
Article 81. The sovereign rights of Union Republics shall be safeguarded by the USSR.
Chapter 10: THE AUTONOMOUS SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLIC
Article 82. An Autonomous Republic is a constituent part of a Union Republic. In
spheres not within the jurisdiction of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the
Union Republic, an Autonomous Republic shall deal independently with matters within its
jurisdiction. An autonomous Republic shall have its own Constitution conforming to the
Constitutions of the USSR and the Union Republic with the specific features of the
Autonomous Republic being taken into account.
Article 83. An Autonomous Republic takes part in decision-making through the highest
bodies of state authority and administration of the USSR and of the Union Republic
respectively, in matters that come within the jurisdiction of the USSR and the Union
Republic. An Autonomous Republic shall ensure comprehensive economic and social
development on its territory, facilitate exercise of the powers of the USSR and the Union
Republic on its territory, and implement decisions of the highest bodies of state
authority and administration of the USSR and the Union Republic. In matters within its
jurisdiction, an Autonomous Republic shall co- ordinate and control the activity of
enterprises, institutions, and organisations subordinate to the Union or the Union
Republic.
Article 84. The territory of an Autonomous Republic may not be altered without its
consent.
Article 85. The Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic includes the Bashkir,
Buryat, Daghestan, Kabardin-Balkar, Kalmyk, Karelian, Komi, Mari, Mordovian, North
Ossetian, Tatar, Tuva, Udmurt, Chechen-Ingush, Chuvash, and Yakut Autonomous Soviet
Socialist Republics. The Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic includes the Kara-Kalpak
Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. The Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic includes the
Abkhasian and Adzhar Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republics. The Azerbaijan Soviet
Socialist Republic include the Nakhichevan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic.
Chapter 11: THE AUTONOMOUS REGION AND AUTONOMOUS AREA
Article 86. An Autonomous REgion is a constituent part of a Union Republic or
Territory. The Law on an Autonomous Region, upon submission by the Soviet of People's
Deputies of the Autonomous Region concerned, shall be adopted by the Supreme Soviet of the
Union Republic.
Article 87. The Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic includes the Adygei,
Gorno-Altai, Jewish, Karachai-Circassian, and Khakass Autonomous Regions. The Georgian
Soviet Socialist Republic includes the South Ossetian Autonomous Region. The Azerbaijan
Soviet Socialist Republic include the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region. The Tajik Soviet
Socialist Republic includes the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region.
Article 88. An autonomous Area is a constituent part of a Territory or Region. The Law
on an Autonomous Area shall be adopted by the Supreme Soviet of the Union Republic
concerned.
IV. Soviets of people's deputies and electoral procedure
Chapter 12: THE SYSTEM OF SOVIETS OF PEOPLE'S DEPUTIES AND THE PRINCIPLES OF
THEIR WORK
Article 89. The Soviets of People's Deputies, i.e. the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the
Supreme Soviets of Union Republics, the Supreme Soviets of Autonomous Republics, the
Soviets of People's Deputies of Territories and Regions, the Soviets of People's Deputies
of Autonomous Regions and Autonomous Areas, and the Soviets of People's Deputies of
districts, cities, city districts, settlements and villages shall constitute a single
system of bodies of state authority.
Article 90. The term of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the Supreme Soviets of Union
Republics, and the Supreme Soviets of Autonomous Republics shall be five years. The term
of local Soviets of People's Deputies shall be two and a half years. Elections to Soviets
of People's Deputies shall be called not later than two months before the expiry of the
term of the Soviet concerned.
Article 91. The most important matters within the jurisdiction of the respective
Soviets of People's Deputies shall be considered and settled at their sessions. Soviets of
People's Deputies shall elect standing commissions and form executive-administrative, and
other bodies accountable to them.
Article 92. Soviets of People's Deputies shall form people's control bodies combining
state control with control by the working people at enterprises, collective farms,
institutions, and organisations. People's control bodies shall check on the fulfilment of
state plans and assignments, combat breaches of state discipline, localist tendencies,
narrow departmental attitudes, mismanagement, extravagance and waste, red tape and
bureaucracy, and help improve the working of the state machinery.
Article 93. Soviets of People's Deputies shall direct all sectors of state economic,
and social and cultural development, either directly or through bodies instituted by them,
take decisions and ensure their execution, and verify their implementation.
Article 94. Soviets of People's Deputies shall function publicly on the basis of
collective, free, constructive discussion and decision-making, of systematic reporting
back to them and the people by their executive- administrative and other bodies, and of
involving citizens on a broad scale in their work.
Chapter 13: THE ELECTORAL SYSTEM
Article 95. Deputies to all Soviets shall be elected on the basis of universal, equal,
and direct suffrage by secret ballot.
Article 96. Elections shall be universal: all citizens of the USSR who have reached the
age of 18 shall have the right to vote and to be elected, with the exception of persons
who have been certified insane. To be eligible for election to the Supreme Soviet of the
USSR a citizen of the USSR must have reached the age of 21.
Article 97. Elections shall be equal: each citizen shall have one vote; all voters
shall exercise the franchise on an equal footing.
Article 98. Elections shall be direct: deputies to all Soviets of People's Deputies
shall be elected by direct vote.
Article 99. Voting at elections shall be secret: control over voters' exercise of the
franchise is inadmissible.
Article 100. The following shall have the right to nominate candidates: branches and
organisations of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, trade unions, and the All-Union
Leninist Young Communist League; co-operatives and other public organisations; work
collectives, and meetings of servicemen in their military units. Citizens of the USSR and
public organisations are guaranteed the right to free and all-round discussion of the
political and personal qualities and competence of candidates, and the right to campaign
for them at meetings, in the press, and on television and radio. The expenses involved in
holding elections to Soviets of People's Deputies shall be met by the state.
Article 101. Deputies to Soviets of People's Deputies shall be elected by
constituencies. A citizen of the USSR may not, as a rule, be elected to more than two
Soviets of People's Deputies. Elections to the Soviets shall be conducted by electoral
commissions consisting of representatives, and of meetings of servicemen in military
units. The procedure for holding elections to Soviets of People's Deputies shall be
defined by the laws of the USSR, and of Union and Autonomous Republics.
Article 102. Electors give mandates to their Deputies. The appropriate Soviets of
People's Deputies shall examine electors' mandates, take them into account in drafting
economic and social development plans and in drawing up the budget, organise
implementation of the mandates, and inform citizens about it.
Chapter 14: PEOPLE'S DEPUTIES
Article 103. Deputies are the plenipotentiary representatives of the people in the
Soviets of People's Deputies. In the Soviets, Deputies deal with matters relating to
state, economic, and social and cultural development, organise implementation of the
decisions of the Soviets, and exercise control over the work of state bodies, enterprises,
institutions and organisations. Deputies shall be guided in their activities by the
interests of the state, and shall take the needs of their constituents into account and
work to implement their electors' mandates.
Article 104. Deputies shall exercise their powers without discontinuing their regular
employment or duties. During sessions of the Soviet, and so as to exercise their deputy's
powers in other cases stipulated by law, Deputies shall be released from their regular
employment or duties, with retention of their average earnings at their permanent place of
work.
Article 105. A Deputy has the right to address inquiries to the appropriate state
bodies and officials, who are obliged to reply to them at a session of the Soviet.
Deputies have the right to approach any state or public body, enterprise, institution, or
organisation on matters arising from their work as Deputies and to take part in
considering the questions raised by them. The heads of the state or public bodies,
enterprises, institutions or organisations concerned are obliged to receive Deputies
without delay and to consider their proposals within the time-limit established by law.
Article 106. Deputies shall be ensured conditions for the unhampered and effective
exercise of their rights and duties. The immunity of Deputies, and other guarantees of
their activity as Deputies, are defined in the Law on the Status of Deputies and other
legislative acts of the USSR and of Union and Autonomous Republics.
Article 107. Deputies shall report on their work and on that of the Soviet to their
constituents, and to the work collectives and public organisations that nominated them.
Deputies who have not justified the confidence of their constituents may be recalled at
any time by decision of a majority of the electors in accordance with the procedure
established by law.
V. Higher bodies of state authority and administration of the USSR
Chapter 15: THE SUPREME SOVIET OF THE USSR
Article 108. The highest boy of state authority of the USSR shall be the Supreme Soviet
of the USSR. The Supreme Soviet of the USSR is empowered to deal with all matters within
the jurisdiction of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, as defined by this
Constitution. The adoption and amendment of the Constitution of the USSR; admission of new
Republics to the USSR; endorsement of the formation of new Autonomous Republics and
Autonomous Regions; approval of the state plans for economic an social development, of the
Budget of the USSR, and of reports on their execution; and the institution of bodies of
the USSR accountable to it, are the exclusive prerogative of the Supreme Soviet of the
USSR. Laws of the USSR shall be enacted by the Supreme Soviet of the USSR or by a
nationwide vote (referendum) held by decision of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
Article 109. The Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall consist of two chambers: the Soviet
of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities. The two chambers of the Supreme Soviet of
the USSR shall have equal rights.
Article 110. The Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities shall have equal
numbers of deputies. The Soviet of the Union shall be elected by constituencies with equal
populations. The Soviet of Nationalities shall be elected on the basis of the following
representation: 32 deputies from each Union Republic, 11 deputies from each Autonomous
Republic, five deputies from each Autonomous Region, and one deputy from each Autonomous
Area. The Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities, upon submission by the
credentials commissions elected by them, shall decide on the validity of Deputies'
credentials, and, in cases in which the election law has been violated, shall declare the
election of the Deputies concerned null and void.
Article 111. Each chamber of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall elect a Chairman and
four Vice-Chairmen. The Chairmen of the Soviet of the Union and of the Soviet of
Nationalities shall preside over the sittings of the respective chambers and conduct their
affairs. Joint sittings of the chambers of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall be
presided over alternately by the Chairman of the Soviet of the Union and the Chairman of
the Soviet of Nationalities.
Article 112. Sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall be convened twice a year.
Special sessions shall be convened by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR at
its discretion or on the proposal of a Union Republic, or of not less than one-third of
the Deputies of one of the chambers. A session of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall
consist of separate and joint sittings of the chambers, and of meetings of the standing
commissions of the chambers or commissions of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR held between
the sittings of the chambers. A session may be opened and closed at either separate or
joint sittings of the chambers.
Article 113. The right to initiate legislation in the Supreme Soviet of the USSR is
vested in the Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities, the Presidium of the
Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the Council of Ministers of the USSR, Union Republics through
their highest bodies of state authority, commissions of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and
standing commissions of its chambers, Deputies of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the
Supreme Court of the USSR, and the Procurator-General of the USSR. The right to initiate
legislation is also vested in public organisations through their All-Union bodies.
Article 114. Bills and other matters submitted to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall
be debated by its chambers at separate or joint sittings. Where necessary, a bill or other
matter may be referred to one or more commissions for preliminary or additional
consideration. A law of the USSR shall be deemed adopted when it has been passed in each
chamber of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR by a majority of the total number of its
Deputies. Decisions and other acts of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR are adopted by a
majority of the total number of Deputies of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. Bills and
other very important matters of state may be submitted for nationwide duscussion [sic] by
a decision of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR or its Presidium taken on their own
initiative or on the proposal of a Union Republic.
Article 115. In the event of a disagreement between the Soviet of the Union and the
Soviet of Nationalities, the matter at issue shall be referred for settlement to a
conciliation commission formed by the chambers on a parity basis, after which it shall e
considered for a second time by the Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities at
a joint sitting. If agreement is again not reached, the matter shall be postponed for
debate at the next session of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR or submitted by the Supreme
Soviet to a nationwide vote (referendum)
Article 116. Laws of the USSR and decisions and other acts of the Supreme Soviet of the
USSR shall be published in the languages of the Union Republics over the signatures of the
Chairman and Secretary of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
Article 117. Deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR has the right to address
inquiries to the Council of Ministers of the USSR, and to Ministers and the heads of other
bodies formed by the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. THe Council of Ministers of the USSR, or
the official to whom the inquiry is addressed, is obliged to give a verbal or written
reply within three days at the given session of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
Article 118. A Deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR may not be prosecuted, or
arrested, or incur a court-imposed penalty, without the sanction of the Supreme Soviet of
the USSR or, between its sessions, of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
Article 119. The Supreme Soviet of the USSR, at a joint sitting of its chambers, shall
elect a Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, which shall be a standing body of the
Supreme Soviet of the USSR, accountable to it for all its work and exercising the
functions of the highest body of state authority of the USSR between sessions of the
Supreme Soviet, within the limits prescribed by the Constitution.
Article 120. The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall be elected from
among the Deputies and shall consist of a Chairman, First Vice- Chairman, 15 Vice-Chairmen
(one from each Union Republic), a Secretary, and 21 members.
Article 121. The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall: 1. name the date of
elections to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR; 2. convene sessions of the Supreme Soviet of
the USSR; 3. co-ordinate the work of the standing commissions of the chambers of the
Supreme Soviet of the USSR; 4. ensure observance of the Constitution of the USSR and
conformity of the Constitutions and laws of Union Republics to the Constitution and laws
of the USSR; 5. interpret the laws of the USSR; 6. ratify and denounce international
treaties of the USSR; 7. revoke decisions and ordinances of the Council of Ministers of
the USSR and of the Councils of Ministers of Union Republics should they fail to conform
to the law; 8. institute military and diplomatic ranks and other special titles; and
confer the highest military and diplomatic ranks and other special titles; 9. institute
orders and medals of the USSR, and honorific titles of the USSR; award orders and medals
of the USSR; and confer honorific titles of the USSR. 10. grant citizenship of the USSR,
and rule on matters of the renunciation or deprivation of citizenship of the USSR and of
granting asylum; 11. issue All-Union acts of amnesty and exercise the right of pardon; 12.
appoint and recall diplomatic representatives of the USSR to other countries and to
international organisations; 13. receive the letters of credence and recall of the
diplomatic representatives of foreign states accredited to it; 14. form the Council of
Defence of the USSR and confirm its composition; appoint and dismiss the high command of
the Armed Forces of the USSR; 15. proclaim martial law in particular localities or
throughout the country in the interests of defence of the USSR; 16. order general or
partial mobilisation; 17. between sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, proclaim a
state of war in the event of an armed attack on the USSR, or when it is necessary to meet
international treaty obligations relating to mutual defence against aggression; 18. and
exercise other powers vested in it by the Constitution and laws of the USSR.
Article 122. The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, between sessions of the
Supreme Soviet of the USSR and subject to submission for its confirmation at the next
session, shall: 1. amend existing legislative acts of the USSR when necessary; 2. approve
changes in the boundaries between Union Republics; 3. form and abolish Ministries and
State Committees of the USSR on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers of the
USSR; 4. relieve individual members of the Council of Ministers of the USSR of their
responsibilities and appoint persons to the Council of Ministers on the recommendation of
the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR.
Article 123. The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR promulgates decrees and
adopts decisions.
Article 124. On expiry of the term of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the Presidium of
the Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall retain its powers until the newly elected Supreme
Soviet of the USSR has elected a new Presidium. The newly elected Supreme Soviet of the
USSR shall be convened by the outgoing Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR within
two months of the elections.
Article 125. The Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities shall elect
standing commissions from among the Deputies to make a preliminary review of matters
coming within the jurisdiction of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, to promote execution of
the laws of the USSR and other acts of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and its Presidium,
and to check on the work of state bodies and organisations. The chambers of the Supreme
Soviet of the USSR may also set up joint commissions on a parity basis. When it deems
necessary, the Supreme Soviet of the USSR sets up commissions of inquiry and audit, and
commissions on any other matter. All state and public bodies, organisations and officials
are obliged to meet the requests of the commissions of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and
of its chambers, and submit the requisite materials and documents to them. The
commissions' recommendations shall be subject to consideration by state and public bodies,
institutions and organisations. The commissions shall be informed, within the prescribed
time-limit, of the results of such consideration or of the action taken.
Article 126. The Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall supervise the work of all state
bodies accountable to it. The Supreme Soviet of the USSR shall form a Committee of
People's Control of the USSR to head the system of people's control. The organisation and
procedure of people's control bodies are defined by the Law on People's Control in the
USSR.
Article 127. The procedure of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and of its bodies shall be
defined in the Rules and Regulations of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and other laws of
the USSR enacted on the basis of the Constitution of the USSR.
Chapter 16: THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS OF THE USSR
Article 128. The Council of Ministers of the USSR, i.e. the Government of the USSR, is
the highest executive and administrative body of state authority of the USSR.
Article 129. The Council of Ministers of the USSR shall be formed by the Supreme Soviet
of the USSR at a joint sitting of the Soviet of the Union and the Soviet of Nationalities,
and shall consist of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, First Vice
Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen, Ministers of the USSR, and Chairmen of State Committees of the
USSR. The Chairmen of the Councils of Ministers of Union Republics shall be _ex officio_
members of the Council of Ministers of the USSR. The Supreme Soviet of the USSR, on the
recommendation of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, may include in the
GOvernment of the USSR the heads of other bodies and organisations of the USSR. The
Council of Ministers of the USSR shall tender its resignation to a newly elected Supreme
Soviet of the USSR at its first session.
Article 130. The Council of Minister of the USSR shall be responsible and accountable
to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and, between sessions of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR,
to the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. The Council of Ministers of the USSR
shall report regularly on its work ot the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
Article 131. The Council of Ministers of the USSR is empowered to deal with all matters
of state administration within the jurisdiction of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
insofar as, under the Constitution, they on not come within the competence of the Supreme
Soviet of the USSR or the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. Within its powers
the Council of Ministers of the USSR shall: 1. ensure direction of economic, social and
cultural development; draft and implement measures to promote the well-being and cultural
development of the people, to develop science and engineering, to ensure rational
exploitation and conservation of natural resources, to consolidate the monetary and credit
system, to pursue a uniform prices, wages, and social security policy, and to organise
state insurance and a uniform system of accounting and statistics; and organise the
management of industrial, constructional, and agricultural enterprises and amalgamations,
transport and communications undertakings, banks, and other organisations and institutions
of All-Union subordination; 2. draft current and long-term state plans for the economic
and social development of the USSR and the Budget of the USSR, and submit them to the
Supreme Soviet of the USSR; take measures to execute the state plans and Budget; and
report to the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on the implementation of the plans and Budget; 3.
implement measures to defend the interests of the state, protect socialist property and
maintain public order, and guarantee and protect citizens' rights and freedoms; 4. take
measures to ensure state security; 5. exercise general direction of the development of the
ARmed Forces of the USSR, and determine the annual contingent of citizens to be called up
for active military service; 6. provide general direction in regard to relations with
other states, foreign trade, and economic, scientific, technical, and cultural
co-operation of the USSR with other countries; take measures to ensure fulfilment of the
USSR's international treaties; and ratify and denounce intergovernmental international
agreements; 7. and when necessary, form committees, central boards and other departments
under the Council of Ministers of the USSR to deal with matters of economic, social and
cultural development, and defence.
Article 132. A Presidium of the Council of Ministers of the USSR, consisting of the
Chairman, the First Vice-Chairmen, and Vice-Chairmen of the Council of Ministers of the
USSR, shall function as a standing body of the Council of Ministers of the USSR to deal
with questions relating to guidance of the economy, and with other matters of state
administration.
Article 133. The Council of Ministers of the USSR, on the basis of, and in pursuance
of, the laws of the USSR and other decision of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and its
Presidium, shall issue decisions and ordinances and verify their execution. The decisions
and ordinances of the Council of Ministers of the USSR shall be binding throughout the
USSR.
Article 134. The Council of Ministers of the USSR has the right, in matters within the
jurisdiction of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, to suspend execution of decisions
and ordinances of the Councils of Minister of Union Republics, and to rescind acts of
ministries and state committees of the USSR, and of the other bodies subordinate to it.
Article 135. The Council of Ministers of the USSR shall co-ordinate and direct the work
of All-Union and Union-Republican ministries, state committees of the USSR, and other
bodies subordinate to it. All-Union ministries and state committees of the USSR shall
direct the work of the branches of administration entrusted to them, or exercise inter-
branch administration, throughout the territory of the USSR directly or through bodies set
up by them. Union-Republican ministries and state committees of the USSR direct the work
of the branches of administration entrusted to them, or exercise inter- branch
administration, as a rule, through the corresponding ministries and state committees, and
other bodies of Union Republics, and directly administer individual enterprises and
amalgamations of Union subordination. The procedure for transferring enterprises and
amalgamations from Republic or local subordination to Union subordination shall be defined
by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. Ministries and state committees of the
USSR shall be responsible for the condition and development of the spheres of
administration entrusted to them; within their competence, they issue orders and other
acts on the basis of, and in execution of, the laws of the USSR and other decisions of the
Supreme Soviet of the USSR and its Presidium, and of decisions and ordinances of the
Council of Ministers of the USSR, and organise and verify their implementation.
Article 136. The competence of the Council of Ministers of the USSR and its Presidium,
the procedure for their work, relationships between the Council of Ministers and other
state bodies, and the list of All-Union and Union- Republican ministries and state
committees of the USSR are defined, on the basis of the Constitution, in the Law on the
Council of Minister of the USSR.
VI. Basic principles of the structure of the bodies of state authority and
administration i union republics
Chapter 17: HIGHER BODIES OF STATE AUTHORITY AND ADMINISTRATION OF A UNION
REPUBLIC
Article 137. The highest body of state authority of a Union Republic shall be the
Supreme Soviet of that Republic. The Supreme Soviet of a Union Republic is empowered to
deal with all matters within the jurisdiction of the Republic under the Constitutions of
the USSR and the Republic. Adoption and amendment of the Constitution of a Union Republic;
endorsement of state plans for economic and social development, of the Republic's Budget,
and of reports on their fulfilment; and the formation of bodies accountable to the Supreme
Soviet of the Union Republic are the exclusive prerogative of that Supreme Soviet. Laws of
a Union Republic shall be enacted by the Supreme Soviet of the Union Republic or by a
popular vote (referendum) heldy [sic] by decision of the Republic's Supreme Soviet.
Article 138. The Supreme Soviet of a Union Republic shall elect a Presidium, which is a
standing body of that Supreme Soviet and accountable to it for all its work. The
composition and powers of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of a Union Republic shall be
defined in the Constitution of the Union Republic.
Article 139. The Supreme Soviet of a Union Republic shall form a Council of Ministers
of the Union Republic, ie.e. the GOvernment of that Republic, which shall be the highest
executive and administrative body of state authority in the Republic. The Council of
Ministers of a Union Republic shall be responsible and accountable to the Supreme Soviet
of that Republic or, between sessions of the Supreme Soviet, to its Presidium.
Article 140. The Council of Ministers of a Union Republic issues decisions and
ordinances on the basis of, and in pursuance of, the legislative acts of the USSR and of
the Union Republic, and of decisions and ordinances of the Council of Ministers of the
USSR, and shall organise and verify their execution.
Article 141. The Council of Ministers of a Union Republic has the right to suspend the
execution of decisions and ordinances of the Councils of Ministers of Autonomous
Republics, to rescind the decisions and orders of the Executive Committees of Soviets of
People's Deputies of Territories, Regions, and cities (i.e. cities under Republic
jurisdiction) and of Autonomous Regions, and in Union Republics not divided into regions,
of the Executive Committees of district and corresponding city Soviets of People's
Deputies.
Article 142. The Council of Ministers of a Union Republic shall co- ordinate and direct
the work of the Union-Republican and Republican ministries and of state committees of the
Union Republic, and other bodies under its jurisdiction. The Union-Republican ministries
and state committees of a Union Republic shall direct the branches of administration
entrusted to them, or exercise inter-branch control and shall be subordinate to both the
Council of Ministers of the Union Republic and the corresponding Union-Republican ministry
or state committee of the USSR. Republican ministries and state committees shall direct
the branches of administration entrusted to them, or exercise inter-branch control, and
shall be subordinate to the Council of Ministers of the Union Republic.
Chapter 18: HIGHER BODIES OF STATE AUTHORITY AND ADMINISTRATION OF AN
AUTONOMOUS REPUBLIC
Article 143. The highest body of state authority of an Autonomous Republic shall be the
Supreme Soviet of that Republic. Adoption and amendment of the Constitution of an
Autonomous Republic; endorsement of state plans for economic and social development, and
of the Republic's Budget; and the formation of bodies accountable to the Supreme Soviet of
the Autonomous Republic are the exclusive prerogative of that Supreme Soviet. Laws of an
Autonomous Republic shall be enacted by the Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic.
Article 144. The Supreme Soviet of an Autonomous Republic shall elect a Presidium of
the Supreme Soviet of the Autonomous Republic and shall form a Council of Ministers of the
Autonomous Republic, i.e. the Government of that Republic.
Chapter 19: LOCAL BODIES OF STATE AUTHORITY AND ADMINISTRATION
Article 145. The bodies of state authority in Territories, Regions, Autonomous Areas,
districts, cities, city districts, settlements, and rural communities shall be the
corresponding Soviets of People's Deputies.
Article 146. Local Soviets of People's Deputies shall deal with all matters of local
significance in accordance with the interest of the whole state and of the citizens
residing in the area under their jurisdiction, implement decisions of higher bodies of
state authority, guide the work of lower Soviets of People's Deputies, take part in the
discussion of matters of Republican and All-Union significance, and submit their proposals
concerning them. Local Soviets of People's Deputies shall direct state, economic, social
and cultural development within their territory; endorse plans for economic and social
development an the local budget; exercise general guidance over state bodies, enterprises,
institutions and organisations subordinate to them; ensure observance of the laws,
maintenance of law and order; and protection of citizens' rights; and help strengthen the
country's defence capacity.
Article 147. Within their powers, local Soviets of People's Deputies shall ensure the
comprehensive, all-round economic and social development of their area; exercise control
over the observance of legislation by enterprises, institutions and organisations
subordinate to higher authorities and located in their area; and co-ordinate and supervise
their activity as regards land use, nature conservation, building, employment of manpower,
production of consumer goods, and social, cultural, communal and other services and
amenities for the public.
Article 148. Local Soviets of People's Deputies shall decide matters within the powers
accorded them by the legislation of the USSR and of the appropriate Union Republic and
Autonomous Republic. THeir decisions shall be binding on all enterprises, institutions,
and organisations located in their area and on officials and citizens.
Article 149. The executive-administrative bodies of local Soviets shall be the
Executive Committees elected by them from among their deputies. Executive Committees shall
report on their work at least once a year to the Soviets that elected them and to meetings
of citizens at their places of work or residence.
Article 150. Executive Committees of local Soviets of People's Deputies shall be
directly accountable both to the Soviet that elected them and to the higher executive and
administrative body.
VII. Justice, arbitration, and procurator's supervision
Chapter 20: COURTS AND ARBITRATION
Article 151. In the USSR justice is administered only by the courts. In the USSR there
are the following courts: the Supreme Court of the USSR, the Supreme Courts of Union
Republics, the Supreme Courts of Autonomous Republics, Territorial, Regional, and city
courts, courts of Autonomous Regions, courts of Autonomous Areas, district (city) people's
courts, and military tribunals in the Armed Forces.
Article 152. All courts in the USSR shall be formed on the principle of the
electiveness of judges and people's assessors. People's judges of district (city) people's
courts shall be elected for a term of five years by the citizens of the district (city) on
the basis of universal, equal and direct suffrage by secret ballot. People's assessors of
district (city) people's courts shall be elected for a term of two and a half years at
meetings of citizens at their places of work or residence by a show of hands. Higher
courts shall be elected for a term of five years by the corresponding Soviet of People's
Deputies. The judges of military tribunals shall be elected for a term of five years by
the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and by people's assessors for a term of
two and a half years by meetings of servicemen. Judges and people's assessors are
responsible and accountable to their electors or the bodies that elected them, shall
report to them, and may be recalled by them in the manner prescribed by law.
Article 153. The Supreme Court of the USSR is the highest judicial body in the USSR and
supervises the administration of justice by the courts of the USSR and Union Republics
within the limits established by law. The Supreme Court of the USSR shall be elected by
the Supreme Soviet of the USSR and shall consist of a Chairman, Vice-Chairmen, members,
and people's assessors. The Chairmen of the Supreme Courts of Union Republics are _ex
officio_ members of the Supreme Court of the USSR. The organisation and procedure of the
Supreme Court of the USSR are defined in the Law on the Supreme Court of the USSR.
Article 154. The hearing of civil and criminal cases in all courts is collegial; in
courts of first instance cases are heard with the participation of people's assessors. In
the administration of justice people's assessors have all the rights of a judge.
Article 155. Judges and people's assessors are independent and subject only to the law.
Article 156. Justice is administered in the USSR on the principle of the equality of
citizens before the law and the court.
Article 157. Proceedings in all courts shall be open to the public. Hearings _in
camera_ are only allowed in cases provided for by law, with observance of all the rule of
judicial procedure.
Article 158. A defendant in a criminal action is guaranteed the right to legal
assistance.
Article 159. Judicial proceedings shall be conducted in the language of the Union
Republic, Autonomous Republic, Autonomous Region, or Autonomous Area, or in the language
spoken by the majority of the people in the locality. Persons participating in court
proceedings, who do not know the language in which they are being conducted, shall be
ensured the right to become fully acquainted with the materials in the case; the services
of an interpreter during the proceedings; and the right to address the court in their own
language.
Article 160. No one may be adjudged guilty of a crime and subjected to punishment as a
criminal except by the sentence of a court and in conformity with the law.
Article 161. Colleges of advocates are available to give legal assistance to citizens
and organisations. In cases provided for by legislation citizens shall be given legal
assistance free of charge. The organisation and procedure of the bar are determined by
legislation of the USSR and Union Republics.
Article 162. Representatives of public organisations and of work collectives may take
part in civil and criminal proceedings.
Article 163. Economic disputes between enterprises, institutions, and organisations are
settled by state arbitration bodies within the limits of their jurisdiction. The
organisations and manner of functioning of state arbitration bodies are defined in the Law
on State Arbitration in the USSR.
Chapter 21: THE PROCURATOR'S OFFICE
Article 164. Supreme power of supervision over the strict and uniform observance of
laws by all ministries, state committees and departments, enterprises, institutions and
organisations, executive-administrative bodies of local Soviets of People's Deputies,
collective farms, co-operatives and other public organisations, officials and citizens is
vested in the Procurator-General of the USSR and procurators subordinate to him.
Article 165. The Procurator-General of the USSR is appointed by the Supreme Soviet of
the USSR and is responsible and accountable to it and, between sessions of the Supreme
Soviet, to the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
Article 166. The procurators of Union Republics, Autonomous Republics, Territories,
Regions and Autonomous Regions are appointed by the Procurator- General of the USSR. The
procurators of Autonomous Areas and district and city procurators are appointed by the
Procurators of Union Republics, subject to confirmation by the Procurator-General of the
USSR.
Article 167. The term of office of the Procurator-General of the USSR and all
lower-ranking procurators shall be five years.
Article 168. The agencies of the Procurator's Office exercise their powers
independently of any local bodies whatsoever, and are subordinate solely to the
Procurator-General of the USSR. The organisation and procedure of the agencies of the
Procurator's Office are defined in the Law on the Procurator's Office of the USSR.
VIII. The emblem, flag, anthem, and capital of the USSR
Article 169. The State Emblem of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is a hammer
and sickle on a globe depicted in the rays of the sun and framed by ears of wheat, with
the inscription "Workers of All Countries, Unite!" in the languages of the Union
Republics. At the top of the Emblem is a five-pointed star.
Article 170. The State Flag of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is a rectangle
of red cloth with a hammer and sickle depicted in gold in the upper corner next to the
staff and with a five-pointed red star edged in gold above them. The ratio of the width of
the flag to its length is 1:2
Article 171. The State Anthem of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is confirmed
by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.
Article 172. The Capital of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is the city of
Moscow.
IX. The legal force of the constitution of the USSR and procedure for amending the
constitution
Article 173. The Constitution of the USSR shall have supreme legal force. All laws and
other acts of state bodies shall be promulgated on the basis of and in conformity with it.
Article 174. The Constitution of the USSR may be amended by a decision of the Supreme
Soviet of the USSR adopted by a majority of not less than two- thirds of the total number
of Deputies of each of its chambers.
|